Bio-Impedance Measurement Apparatus and Assembly

ABSTRACT

A bio-impedance measurement apparatus includes a flexible band member fastened around a body portion, two probe sets attached to the flexible band member, a measurement device, and a wireless device. One probe set includes a probe having a tip portion for piercing the skin of the body portion to be located adjacent to an acupuncture point. Another probe set, used as an electrical ground, includes a probe that contacts the reference skin. The measurement device is disposed on the flexible band member and electrically coupled to the two probe sets to provide an impulse current signal to the acupuncture point. The measurement device amplifies and measures the voltage response across the acupuncture points and the ground. The amplified signal is converted to a digital signal for Fourier transformation. The wireless device, coupled to the measurement device, transmits the acupuncture code and impedance information to a remote monitor station.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bio-impedance measurement apparatus,and relates more particularly to a bio-impedance measurement apparatushaving wireless communication capability.

2. Description of the Related Art

During the 1950s, Dr. Reinhard Voll studied acupuncture points anddiscovered there are nearly 2000 acupuncture points on the skin of ahuman body, and those acupuncture points are distributed along the pathscalled meridians. In accordance with traditional Chinese medicinetheory, the meridians are channels for transmission of energy, and thetransmitted energy is known as “chi.” Western research discovered thatacupuncture points can be identified by low direct current resistance ofthe skin. In other words, acupuncture points are specific superficialanatomic locations. At these locations, the skin resistance is lowerthan that of the surrounding skin. Dr. Voll further discovered thatorgan health can be determined by the measurement of the impedance ofacupuncture points corresponding to specific organs. In addition,electric therapy studies showed that when therapy signals arerepetitively directed into acupuncture points, the impedance of theacupuncture points can be restored, and the corresponding organs can betreated.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,146, U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,338, U.S. Pat. No.5,626,617, U.S. Pat. No. 6,735,480 and U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2005/0,197,555 disclose treatment methods or methods ofmonitoring the health of human bodies using acupuncture points.Conventionally, a bio-impedance measuring device and a metal probe areapplied to measure the impedance of acupuncture points. Such measurementis non-invasive and the metal probe does not pierce the subject's body,and one acupuncture point can be measured in each measurement. However,the accuracy of traditional bio-impedance measuring devices is adverselyaffected by poor electrical contact between the probe and the skin.Usually, when one acupuncture point is measured, several measurements atdifferent nearby locations are required so as to obtain stable andreliable skin resistance information.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, Dr. Voll discovered many electricallyconductive points (acupuncture points) on the hands and feet of thehuman body. Because traditional bio-impedance measuring devices canmanually measure only one acupuncture point at a time, thus measuringthe acupuncture points of hands and feet of a human subject to obtainstable and reliable skin resistance information is very time-consuming.

Furthermore, acupuncture points lie under the thick cuticle of the skinso that impedance is often measured higher than its true value, causingerroneous measuring results.

Due to the disadvantages of traditional bio-impedance measuring devices,a new, more efficient and reliable bio-impedance measuring device isneeded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One objective of the present invention is to provide a bio-impedancemeasurement apparatus including a probe configured to pierce the skinfor accurate measurement of acupuncture point impedance.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a bio-impedancemeasurement apparatus including a wireless device disposed fortransmitting acupuncture point codes and impedance information to aremote control station for analysis.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an assemblyof a plurality of bio-impedance measurement apparatuses and a pluralityof wireless devices wearable on the body and configured tosimultaneously measure the impedance of plural acupuncture points.

In accordance with the above and other objectives, the present inventionproposes a bio-impedance measurement apparatus comprising a flexibleband member, two probe sets, a measurement device, and a wirelessdevice. The flexible band member is configured to be fastened around abody portion, comprising an inner surface disposed adjacent to a skinregion of the body portion when the flexible band member is fastened tothe body portion. The two probe sets are attached to the flexible bandmember. Each probe set comprises a probe, wherein the probe of one probeset includes a tip portion configured to protrude from the inner surfaceto pierce the skin so as to be located adjacent to an acupuncture point,and the probe of another probe set is configured to contact thereference skin as an is electrical ground. The measurement device isdisposed on the flexible band member, electrically coupled to the twoprobe sets, and configured to provide a pulse current signal to theacupuncture point and to measure impedance of the acupuncture point. Thewireless device is coupled to the measurement device, configured totransmit an acupuncture code corresponding to the acupuncture point andthe impedance information of the acupuncture point to the remote monitorstation

In one embodiment, the measurement device provides an impulse currentsignal to the acupuncture point, causing a voltage generated between theacupuncture point and the electrical ground. The measurement device canamplify the voltage signal and convert the amplified signal into adigital signal using an analog/digital converter. The measurement devicecan obtain the impedance of the acupuncture point by performing aFourier transformation of the digital signal.

In one embodiment, the measured voltage signal can be transmitted to aremote control station, which performs a Fourier transformation toobtain the impedance of the acupuncture point.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a bio-impedancemeasurement assembly comprising a glove and the above-mentionedbio-impedance measurement apparatus. The glove comprises a plurality offinger and wrist portions, and the bio-impedance measurement apparatusis disposed on a finger portion and a wrist portion.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a bio-impedancemeasurement assembly comprising a sock and the above-mentionedbio-impedance measurement apparatus disposed on the sock.

To better understand the above-described objectives, characteristics andadvantages of the present invention, embodiments, with reference to thedrawings, are provided for detailed explanations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described according to the appended drawings inwhich:

FIGS. 1 to 3 show electrically conductive points (acupuncture points) ona hand and a foot, discovered by Dr. Reinhard Voll;

FIG. 4 is a view showing a bio-impedance measurement apparatus accordingto one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a bio-impedance measurementapparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a bio-impedance measurementapparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a view showing a wireless device according to one embodimentof present invention;

FIG. 8 is a view showing a measurement device according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a view showing a layout of a bio-impedance measurementapparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along the line 5-5 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a view showing a thin film capacitor according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a view showing a bio-impedance measurement assembly accordingto one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a view showing a bio-impedance measurement assembly accordingto another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a view showing a bio-impedance measurement apparatusaccording to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing a measurement device according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 demonstrates a buckle type fixture according to one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 17 demonstrates a Velcro fixture according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 18 demonstrates a fixture of Velcro with a buckle according to oneembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 19 demonstrates a button type fixture according to one embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 4 is a view showing a bio-impedance measurement apparatus accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective viewshowing a bio-impedance measurement apparatus according to oneembodiment of the present invention, in which the chip device 10 andprobe sets 12 and 13 are on a flexible band member 11. FIG. 6 is aperspective view showing a bio-impedance measurement apparatus 1according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a viewshowing a bio-impedance measurement system 2 according to one embodimentof the present invention. The bio-impedance measurement apparatus 1comprises a flexible band member 11, two probe sets 12 and 13, and achip device 10.

The flexible band member 11 as in FIG. 5 is configured to be fastenedaround a body portion such as a head, a limb, a trunk, a shoulder, aneck, a finger or a toe. The flexible band member 11 includes an innersurface 111 that is adjacent to a skin region of the body portion whenthe flexible band member 11 is fastened to the body portion. Theflexible band member 11 can be a ring member that can be directly wornon limbs, fingers, a trunk, or toes. The flexible band member 11 caninclude free distal ends (e.g. a rope), configured to be wrapped arounda body portion.

The pair of probe sets 12 and 13 are attached to the flexible bandmember 11. In the present embodiment, the probe sets 12 and 13 areconfigured to measure the impedance of acupuncture points. The probe set12 and the probe set 13 can be separated from each other, and areconfigured to contact or pierce the skin and form a loop circuit formeasuring impedance of acupuncture points.

Referring to FIG. 10, the probe set 12 may comprise at least one probe121 comprising a tip portion 122 configured to protrude from the innersurface 111 and be able to pierce the skin so as to be located adjacentto an acupuncture point to be measured. In particular, the tip portion122 can be trimmed to include a surface inclined at an angle of from 5to 55 degrees, forming a sharp point so that the tip portion 122 caneasily pierce the skin. In one embodiment, the tip portion 122 can betrimmed at an angle of 45 degrees. If the trimming angle is too small,the contact area between the probe and the skin will be reduced,increasing measured impedance. If the trimming angle is too large, thepiercing depth will be adversely affected, increasing measured impedanceas well. Furthermore, the tip portion 122 can be configured to pierceinto a specific skin layer such as the dermis so that accuratemeasurements can be obtained. Similarly, the probe set 13 can compriseat least one probe 131, which may comprise a tip portion 132 configuredto protrude from the inner surface 111 of the flexible band member 11.The tip portion 132 can contact the skin or pierce the skin. Likewise,the tip portion 132 can be trimmed to include a surface inclined at anangle of from 5 to 55 degrees, forming a sharp point so that the tipportion 132 can easily pierce the skin. If the trimming angle is toosmall, the contact area between the probe and the skin will be reduced,increasing measured impedance. If the trimming angle is too large, thepiercing depth will be adversely affected, increasing measured impedanceas well. The probes 121 and 131 can be made of material compatible withthe skin. The probes 121 and 131 can include a coating. The probes 121and 131 can comprise material coated with a coating, wherein thematerial is stainless steel, tungsten, or nickel chromium, and thecoating is gold, titanium nitride, or titanium.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, the bio-impedance measurement apparatus1 may comprise two pairs of probe sets 12 and 13 disposed in accordancewith acupuncture points. In one embodiment, the two probe sets 12 of theembodiment of FIG. 5 can be disposed in accordance with the acupuncturepoint NE2 and the acupuncture point LA2, and another pair of probe sets13 can be disposed at positions where no acupuncture point is locatedsuch that when the bio-impedance measurement apparatus 1 is worn on anindex finger, the impedance of the acupuncture points NE2 and LA2 can bemeasured simultaneously. In another embodiment, the apparatus of FIG. 4comprises two pairs of bio-impedance measurement apparatuses 1 a and 1b, in which two pairs of probe sets 12 are disposed in accordance withthe acupuncture points LA1 a and LA2, and another two pairs of probesets 13 are disposed at positions where no acupuncture point is locatedsuch that when the bio-impedance measurement apparatuses 1 a and 1 b areworn on an index finger, the impedance of the acupuncture points LA2 andLA1 a can be measured simultaneously.

Further, each probe set 12 or 13 can comprise a plurality of probes 121and 131. The plurality of probes 121 or 131 can be arranged in an array.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the chip device 10 can be disposed on theouter surface 112 of the flexible band member 11, connected with thecorresponding probe sets 12 and 13 by conductive wires 110 and 113disposed on the outer surface 112.

Referring to FIG. 6, the chip device 10 may comprise a measurementdevice 14 and a wireless device 15. The measurement device 14 iselectrically coupled to the two probe sets 12 and 13 by conductive wires110 and 113, which are configured to provide impulse current signalsrequired to measure the impedance of acupuncture points. Meanwhile, themeasurement device 14 can detect the voltage response signals betweenacupuncture points and electrical ground, and amplify the voltageresponse signals. The amplified voltage response signals are sampled byan analog/digital converter and converted into digital signals which arethen processed by Fourier transformation in the measurement device 14.Finally, the impedance between acupuncture points and the electricalground can be obtained. The wireless device 15 in FIG. 6 may be coupledto the measurement device 14, thereby transmitting the code of ameasured acupuncture point and its impedance to a remote control monitorstation 21. Although the present embodiment demonstrates that themeasurement device 14 and the wireless device 15 are integrated into thechip device 10, the present invention is not limited to such anarrangement. In another embodiment, the sampled voltage signals aredirectly transmitted to the remote controlling monitor station 21without any processing, and the received signals are then processed byFourier transformation to obtain the code and the impedance of themeasured acupuncture point.

Referring to FIG. 5, the bio-impedance measurement apparatus 1 mayfurther comprise two metal layers 114 and 115 used as ground referencepoints. The two metal layers 114 and 115 can be respectively disposed onthe inner surface 111 and the outer surface 112 of the flexible bandmember 11, and coupled to the two probe sets 13 using the conductivewires 113 and 116, wherein the metal layer 114 on the inner surface 111can be configured to contact the skin but does not contact anyacupuncture point. In one embodiment, the metal layers 114 and 115 canbe adjacent to an edge of the flexible band member 11, formed along theedge. In one embodiment, the metal layers 114 and 115 may comprise gold,which provides better electrical connection to the ground and therebyimproves the performance of impedance measurement.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the present invention provides anotherbio-impedance measurement system 2, which comprises a bio-impedancemeasurement apparatus 1 and a remote control monitor station 21comprising a wireless device 211. The wireless device 211 of the remotecontrol monitor station 21 and the wireless device 15 of thebio-impedance measurement apparatus 1 can communicate with each other bya wireless communication protocol. The communication protocol may definethe names and codes of acupuncture points and the format of impedanceinformation so that communicated information can be demodulated andidentified. The remote control monitor station 21 can receive, store andanalyze the codes and impedance information of acupuncture pointstransmitted from the bio-impedance measurement apparatus 1. The remotecontrol monitor station 21 can remotely control the bio-impedancemeasurement apparatus 1 to trigger the bio-impedance measurementapparatus 1 to provide impulse currents to an acupuncture point formeasuring the impedance of the acupuncture point, or to providetreatment to the acupuncture point.

In one embodiment, the wireless device 211 of the remote control monitorstation 21 and the wireless device 15 of the bio-impedance measurementapparatus 1 can be RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) devices.

In another embodiment, the wireless device 211 of the remote controlmonitor station 21 and the wireless device 15 of the bio-impedancemeasurement apparatus 1 can be Zigbee devices or Bluetooth devices.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a wireless device according to one embodimentof present invention. The wireless device 15 may be an RFID device. Thewireless device 15 can be coupled to an antenna 151 and comprise arectifying module 152, an oscillating module 153 for generating clocksignals, and a modulator 154. The rectifying module 152 may be coupledto the antenna 151 and configured to convert microwave energy signalsreceived by the antenna 151 into DC electricity. The rectifying module152 can be configured to supply electricity to the RFID wireless device15 when the RFID wireless device 15 is operated in a passive mode. Theoscillating module 153 may be coupled to the antenna 151 and configuredto provide clock signals to the bio-impedance measurement apparatus 1.The modulator 154 may be coupled to the antenna 151 and configured tomodulate transmitting signals and/or demodulate received signals.

In particular, the rectifying module 152 can be coupled to a capacitor155 for stabilizing electricity supply. In addition, the oscillatingmodule 153 may comprise a resistor 156 and a capacitor 157.Alternatively, the oscillating module 153 may be a multi-vibrator. Theantenna 151, resistor 156, and the capacitor 157 can be manufactured onthe flexible band member 11, and the manufacturing method can refer toTaiwan Patent Application No. 098123308, the original counterpart patentapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/767,592.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a measurement device 14 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. The measurement device 14 maycomprise a processor 141, a memory module 142, an analog/digitalconverter 143, a voltage amplifier 144, and a pulse current generator145. The probe sets 12 and 13 are individually coupled to the pulsecurrent generator 145 by conductive wires 110 and 113. The voltageresponse signals produced after acupuncture points receive impulsecurrent signals are initially transmitted to the voltage amplifier 144,and then transmitted to the analog/digital converter 143, which samplesanalog signals from the voltage amplifier 144 and converts them todigital signals, which are then transmitted to the processor 141. Theprocessor 141 is configured to perform Fourier transformation andthereby processes the voltage response signals produced afteracupuncture points receive impulse current signals provided by thebio-impedance measurement apparatus 1 to calculate the impedance of theacupuncture points. Further, the processor 141 may initiate the programsassociated with wireless communication and keep each part of thebio-impedance measurement apparatus 1 in normal operation. The memorymodule 142 is coupled to the processor 141 for temporarily orpermanently storing the data required for the operation of thebio-impedance measurement apparatus 1 or programs for the device. Forexample, the memory module 142 stores the data such as measuredimpedance information of acupuncture points, impulse current signalinformation for acupuncture points, operating programs for thebio-impedance measurement apparatus 1, and a Fourier transformationprogram. In another embodiment, sampled voltages are directlytransmitted to the remote control monitor station 21, and then convertedby Fourier transformation. Consequently, the impedance informationbetween acupuncture points and ground reference can be obtained. Theprobe sets 12 and 13, coupled to the pulse current generator 145, areconfigured to measure the impedance between acupuncture points andelectrical ground. The pulse current generator 145 can communicate withthe voltage amplifier 144 so that the voltage amplifier 144 can amplifythe voltage signals produced on the probe sets 12 and 13 coupled to thepulse current generator 145. The voltage amplifier 144 can be coupledwith the analog/digital converter 143, which can convert the analogsignals from the voltage amplifier 144 into digital signals.

Referring to FIG. 15, in one embodiment, the processor 141 can send avoltage signal V_(i)(t) to the pulse current generator 145 forgenerating impulse current I(t) in a range of from 1 microampere to 100microamperes, which is supplied to acupuncture points via the conductivewire 110 and the probe set 12. In addition, the ground terminal of thepulse current generator 145 is connected to the probe set 13 via theconductive wires 113. The impulse current I(t) flows through anacupuncture point having impedance that can be represented by anequivalent circuit including a capacitor C2 and resistors R4 and R5,causing a voltage drop. This voltage can be amplified to an outputvoltage V_(o)(t) by a voltage amplifier such as an operational amplifier503 including resistors R6 and R7. The voltage V_(o)(t) is thentransmitted to the analog/digital converter 143, converting it into asampled digital signal V_(D)(t), which is then sent to the processor141.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a layout of a bio-impedance measurementapparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.10 is a cross-sectional view along the line 5-5 of FIG. 9. Thebio-impedance measurement apparatus 1 can be manufactured on a flexiblesubstrate 16 including a first surface 161 and a second surface 162, oneach of which silicon dioxide and silicon nitride layers 17 can beformed for heat and water resistance. A photoresist layer 18 is formedon the silicon dioxide and silicon nitride layer 17 on the secondsurface 162 for preventing the silicon dioxide and silicon nitridelayers 17 from moisture. Chromium and nickel layers 19 and 20 are formedon the silicon dioxide and silicon nitride layers 17 on the firstsurface 161. After patterning and electroless plating, to increase thesystem performance a gold layer 22 is formed on the nickel includingconductive wires 113, antenna 151 and the pads of resistors 23. In oneembodiment, the flexible substrate 16 may comprise plastic material suchas polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI).

The chip device 10 may be flip-chip bonded by thermal compression.Underfill material is applied and heated to dry for preventing dust andmoisture from entering, and for preventing the chip device 10 from beingdetached by impact. By the way, the chip device 10, the antenna 151, andthe conductive wires 113 can be coupled together more tightly.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, a resistor 156 can be formed on theflexible substrate 16. The resistor 156 comprises resistance material ofpatterned doped p-type polysilicon. The resistor 156 may be coupled toan oscillating module 153 formed in the chip device 10.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 11, a capacitor 155 can be formed on theflexible substrate 16. The capacitor 155 may be coupled to a rectifyingmodule 152 formed in the chip device 10 and may comprise a lowerelectrode layer 159, an upper electrode layer 160 and a dielectric layer163 disposed between the lower and upper electrode layers 159 and 160.The upper electrode layer 160 may comprise a chromium layer 19, a nickellayer 20, and a gold layer 22. The lower electrode layer 159 maycomprise doped p-type polysilicon. The dielectric layer 163 may comprisesilicon nitride.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the flexible substrate 16 may include aplurality of openings, through which the probes 121 and 131 extend. Thetip portions 122 and 132 extend out of the photoresist layer 18.Conductive wires 13 include a plurality of soldering pads 164. The topportions of the probes 122 and 132 opposite the tip portions 122 and 132extend out from the soldering pads 164 and are covered by conductivepaste material such as silver paste. The plurality of probes 121 and 131can be respectively coupled to the pulse current generator 145 formed inthe chip device 10 by conductive wires 110 and 113. When the probes 121and 131 respectively contact the skin, loop circuits are formed.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, two metal layers 114 and 115 can further beformed on the flexible substrate 16. The metal layer 115 can be formedon the first surface 161, electrically connecting to the plurality ofprobes 131 of the probe set 13. The metal layer 114 can be formed on thesecond surface 162 of the flexible substrate 16, electrically connectingto the probes 131. When the flexible substrate 16 is wrapped around abody portion, the metal layer 114 can contact the skin under which thereis no acupuncture point (used as electrical ground), forming a groundloop, improving the performance of measuring acupuncture pointimpedance.

The bio-impedance measurement apparatus 1 can moreover comprise abattery 167 coupled to the chip device 10 for providing electricityrequired for operating the bio-impedance measurement apparatus 1 and toextend the communication and monitoring range. The battery 167 can be anAA battery, or a battery of small size such as a button-type batterysuitable for use in a compact application.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a bio-impedance measurement assembly 3according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS.2 and 12, the bio-impedance measurement assembly 3 comprises a glove 31and a plurality of bio-impedance measurement apparatuses 1 and 1 c. Theglove 31 may comprise a plurality of finger portions 311. Thebio-impedance measurement apparatuses 1 are disposed on the fingerportions 311 and corresponding to the acupuncture points on fingers. Inaddition, the bio-impedance measurement apparatuses 1 c are disposed onthe wrist portions and correspondingly with respect to the acupuncturepoints on wrist. The flexible band members 11 of the bio-impedancemeasurement apparatus 1 are fastened on the glove 31 and configured tobe wrapped around fingers. The bio-impedance measurement apparatus 1 ccorresponding to the acupuncture points on the back of a wrist isdisposed on the back side of the wrist section of the glove 31 andconfigured to be wrapped around a wrist. The bio-impedance measurementapparatus 1 c can be arranged to measure the impedance of acupuncturepoints such as the acupuncture point H4, the acupuncture point H5, orthe acupuncture point H6. The bio-impedance measurement assembly 3 canbe worn on a hand and simultaneously measures the impedance of desiredacupuncture points.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a bio-impedance measurement assembly 4according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIGS. 3 and 13, the bio-impedance measurement assembly 4 comprises asock 45 and a plurality of bio-impedance measurement apparatuses 1 d and1 e that can include flexible band members 11 for fastening on the sock45. The flexible band member 11 is configured to be fastened around afoot portion. The bio-impedance measurement apparatus 1 d is disposedwith respect to the acupuncture points on the foot portion. Thebio-impedance measurement apparatus 1 d can be configured to be wrappedaround a foot for measuring the impedance of the acupuncture point F2 orthe acupuncture point F6. The bio-impedance measurement apparatus 1 e isconfigured to be wrapped around a shank, close to the acupuncture point

F3 of the ankle. The bio-impedance measurement assembly 4 can be worndirectly on a foot and can measure the impedance of the desiredacupuncture points on the foot.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a bio-impedance measurement apparatus 1 faccording to another embodiment of the present invention. Thebio-impedance measurement apparatus 1 f comprises a flexible band member11 a, probe sets 12 and 13, and a chip device 10. The flexible bandmember 11 a is configured to be wrapped around a head. The probe sets 12and 13 are configured to measure desired acupuncture points. The chipdevice 10 is disposed on the flexible band member 11 a, coupled to theprobe sets 12 and 13 (the coupling circuit is not shown). The arrayedprobes of the probe sets 12 and 13 have dimensions that allow the probesto extend through the flexible band member 11 a and pierce into thedermis of the skin for better electrical contact.

For easy installation of the apparatuses of the present invention torelevant portions of a human body, the present invention proposes aplurality of fixtures. The fixtures include a buckle type fixture 40(FIG. 16), a Velcro fixture 41 (FIG. 17), a fixture of Velcro with abuckle 42 (FIG. 18), and a button type fixture 44 (FIG. 19). Thefixtures can ensure that the arrayed probes of the probe sets 12 and 13extend through the glove or sock and pierce into the dermis of the skinso as to establish good electrical contact.

In summary, the present invention discloses a bio-impedance measurementapparatus configured to measure the impedance of an acupuncture pointcomprising a wireless device that can transmit the codes and theimpedance information of measured acupuncture points to a remote controlstation. The wireless device can be an RFID wireless device, a Zigbeewireless device, or a Bluetooth device. The bio-impedance measurementapparatus uses probes to measure the impedance of acupuncture points.The probes, preferably, can pierce into the dermis of the skin. Thebio-impedance measurement apparatus comprises a flexible band member anda fixture. The flexible band member is configured to match a bodyportion so that the bio-impedance measurement apparatus can be wrappedaround the body portion. The bio-impedance measurement apparatus can beassociated with a glove or a sock so that acupuncture points on hands orfeet can be simultaneously measured. The fixture can ensure that thearrayed probes of the probe sets extend through the glove or sock andpierce into the dermis of the skin so as to establish good electricalcontact.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended tobe illustrative only. Numerous alternative embodiments may be devised bypersons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of thefollowing claims.

1. A bio-impedance measurement apparatus coupled to a remote monitorstation in a wireless manner, comprising: a flexible band memberconfigured to be fastened around a body portion, comprising an innersurface being adjacent to a skin region of the body portion when theflexible band member is fastened to the body portion; two probe setsattached to the flexible band member, each probe set comprising a probe,wherein the probe of one probe set includes a tip portion configured toprotrude from the inner surface to pierce the skin region so as to belocated adjacent to an acupuncture point, and the probe of another probeis configured to contact the skin region as an electrical ground; ameasurement device disposed on the flexible band member, electricallycoupled to the two probe sets, configured to provide a signal to theacupuncture point and to measure impedance of the acupuncture point; anda wireless device coupled to the measurement device, configured totransmit an acupuncture code corresponding to the acupuncture point andthe impedance information of the acupuncture point to the remote monitorstation.
 2. The bio-impedance measurement apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe tip portion is configured to pierce into the dermis of the skinregion.
 3. The bio-impedance measurement apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe measurement device comprises: a pulse current generator coupled tothe two probe sets for measuring the impedance of the acupuncture point;a voltage amplifier coupled to the pulse current generator to amplifyvoltage signals corresponding to the impedance of the acupuncture point;an analog/digital converter coupled to the voltage amplifier, configuredto sample the voltage signals and output digital signals; and aprocessor coupled to the wireless device and the analog/digitalconverter, configured to calculate the impedance of the acupuncturepoint using the digital signals and to send the acupuncture code and theimpedance information of the acupuncture point to the wireless device.4. The bio-impedance measurement apparatus of claim 3, wherein theprocessor is configured to obtain the impedance of the acupuncture pointby performing a Fourier transformation.
 5. The bio-impedance measurementapparatus of claim 3, wherein the remote monitor station is configuredto obtain the impedance of the acupuncture point by performing a Fouriertransformation.
 6. The bio-impedance measurement apparatus of claim 1,wherein the wireless device is an RFID wireless device, a Zigbeewireless device, or a Bluetooth wireless device.
 7. The bio-impedancemeasurement apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless device is coupledto an antenna and comprises: a rectifying module coupled to the antenna,configured to convert microwave energy into DC electricity; anoscillating module coupled to the antenna, configured to generate clocksignals; and a modulator coupled to the antenna, configured to modulatesignals to be sent.
 8. The bio-impedance measurement apparatus of claim7, further comprising a thin film capacitor coupled to the rectifyingmodule, wherein the rectifying module comprises a lower electrode layercomprising doped p-type polysilicon, an upper electrode layer, and adielectric layer disposed between the lower and upper electrode layers.9. The bio-impedance measurement apparatus of claim 8, wherein the upperelectrode layer comprises a chromium layer, a nickel layer and a goldlayer, and the dielectric layer comprises silicon nitride.
 10. Thebio-impedance measurement apparatus of claim 7, wherein the oscillatingmodule further comprises a thin film resistor comprising doped p-typepolysilicon and a thin film capacitor that comprises a lower electrodecomprising doped p-type polysilicon, an upper electrode layer and adielectric layer between the lower and upper electrode layers, whereinthe upper electrode layer comprises a chromium layer, a nickel layer anda gold layer, and the dielectric layer comprises silicon nitride. 11.The bio-impedance measurement apparatus of claim 7, further comprising abuckle type fixture, a Velcro fixture, a fixture of Velcro with abuckle, or a button type fixture.
 12. The bio-impedance measurementapparatus of claim 1, wherein the probe comprises a material coated witha coating, wherein the material is stainless steel, tungsten, or nickelchromium, and the coating is gold, titanium nitride, or titanium. 13.The bio-impedance measurement apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tipportion of the probe includes a surface inclined at an angle of from 5to 55 degrees.
 14. The bio-impedance measurement apparatus of claim 1,wherein each probe set comprises a plurality of arrayed probes.
 15. Thebio-impedance measurement apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexibleband member comprises polyethylene terephthalate or polyimide.
 16. Abio-impedance measurement assembly, comprising: a glove comprising aplurality of finger portions; and a bio-impedance measurement apparatusdisposed on one of the plurality of finger portions, the bio-impedancemeasurement apparatus comprising: a flexible band member configured tobe fastened around a finger, comprising an inner surface adjacent to askin region of the finger when the glove is worn; two probe setsattached to the flexible band member, each probe set comprising a probe,wherein the probe of one probe set includes a tip portion configured toprotrude from the inner surface to pierce into the skin region so as tobe located adjacent to an acupuncture point, and the probe of anotherprobe is configured to contact the reference skin region as anelectrical ground; a measurement device disposed on the flexible bandmember, electrically coupled to the two probe sets, configured toprovide a signal to the acupuncture point and to measure impedance ofthe acupuncture point; a wireless device coupled to the measurementdevice, configured to transmit an acupuncture code corresponding to theacupuncture point and the impedance information of the acupuncture pointto a remote monitor station; a fixture configured to ensure that the tipportion of the probe pierces through the glove and into the dermis ofthe skin to establish electrical connection, wherein the fixture is abuckle type fixture, a Velcro fixture, a fixture of Velcro with abuckle, or a button type fixture; and a battery device including abattery, configured to supply electricity for operating thebio-impedance measurement apparatus and to extend the communication andmonitoring range.
 17. The bio-impedance measurement assembly of claim16, wherein the wireless device is an RFID wireless device, a Zigbeewireless device, or a Bluetooth wireless device.
 18. The bio-impedancemeasurement assembly of claim 16, wherein the measurement devicecomprises: a pulse current generator coupled to the two probe sets formeasuring the impedance of the acupuncture point; a voltage amplifiercoupled to the pulse current generator to amplify voltage signalscorresponding to the impedance of the acupuncture point; ananalog/digital converter coupled to the voltage amplifier, configured tosample the voltage signals and output digital signals; and a processorcoupled to the wireless device and to the analog/digital converter,configured to calculate the impedance of the acupuncture point using thedigital signals and to send the acupuncture code and the impedanceinformation of the acupuncture point to the wireless device.
 19. Thebio-impedance measurement assembly of claim 16, wherein the processor isconfigured to obtain the impedance of the acupuncture point byperforming a Fourier transformation.
 20. The bio-impedance measurementassembly of claim 16, wherein the remote monitor station is configuredto obtain the impedance of the acupuncture point by performing a Fouriertransformation.
 21. A bio-impedance measurement assembly, comprising: asock; and a bio-impedance measurement apparatus disposed on the sock,the bio-impedance measurement apparatus comprising: a flexible bandmember configured to be fastened around a foot portion, comprising aninner surface adjacent to a skin region of the foot portion when theflexible band member fastened to the foot portion; two probe setsattached to the flexible band member, each probe set comprising a probe,wherein the probe of one probe set includes a tip portion configured toprotrude from the inner surface to pierce the skin so as to be locatedadjacent to an acupuncture point, and the probe of another probe setconfigured to contact the skin region as an electrical ground; ameasurement device disposed on the flexible band member, electricallycoupled to the two probe sets, configured to provide a signal to theacupuncture point and to measure impedance of the acupuncture point; awireless device coupled to the measurement device, configured totransmit an acupuncture code corresponding to the acupuncture point andthe impedance information of the acupuncture point to a remote monitorstation; a fixture configured to ensure that the tip portion of theprobe pierces through the sock into the dermis of the skin to establishan electrical connection, wherein the fixture is a buckle type fixture,a Velcro fixture, a fixture of Velcro with a buckle, or a button typefixture; and a battery device including a battery, configured to supplyelectricity for operating the bio-impedance measurement apparatus and toextend the communication and monitoring range.
 22. The bio-impedancemeasurement assembly of claim 21, wherein the wireless device is an RFIDwireless device, a Zigbee wireless device, or a Bluetooth wirelessdevice.
 23. The bio-impedance measurement assembly of claim 21, whereinthe measurement device comprises: a pulse current generator coupled tothe two probe sets for measuring the impedance of the acupuncture point;a voltage amplifier coupled to the pulse current generator, configuredto amplify voltage signals corresponding to the impedance of theacupuncture point; an analog/digital converter coupled to the voltageamplifier, configured to sample the voltage signals and output digitalsignals; and a processor coupled to the wireless device and theanalog/digital converter, configured to calculate the impedance of theacupuncture point using the digital signals and to send the acupuncturecode and the impedance information of the acupuncture point to thewireless device.
 24. The bio-impedance measurement assembly of claim 21,wherein the remote monitor station remotely controls the bio-impedancemeasurement apparatus to provide the signal to the acupuncture point formeasuring the impedance of the acupuncture point or to provide atreatment to the acupuncture point.